Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontics Treatment

Preventive orthodontics is that part of orthodontic practice which is concerned with patients and parents education, supervision of the growth and development of the dentition and cranio-facial structures. The diagnostic procedures undertaken to predict the appearance of malocclusion and the treatment procedures instituted to prevent the onset of malocclusion. Interceptive orthodontics has been defined as that phase of science that can recognize and eliminate potential irregularities and malpositions of the developing dento-facial complex. Many of procedures are common in preventive and interceptive orthodontics, but the timings are different. Preventive procedures are undertaken in anticipation of development of a problem, whereas interceptive procedures are taken when the problem has already manifested. Orthodontic problems in children can be divided conveniently into non skeletal and skeletal problems, which are treated by tooth movement and by growth modification. Such treatment may take place in deciduous or transitional dentition and may include redirection of ectopically erupting teeth, slicing or extraction of deciduous teeth, correction of isolated dental crossbites of recovery of minor space loss.